Vehicle-actuated weather barrier apparatus

ABSTRACT

Example weather barrier apparatus are disclosed herein. An example weather barrier apparatus disclosed herein include rear edge seals to sealingly engage a rearward facing edge of a vehicle parked at a loading dock. In some examples, the rear edge seal is part of a pivotal upper or side seal member that also includes a surface seal. The surface seal is spaced apart from the edge seal and is to sealingly engage a side or upper surface of the vehicle. In some examples, the vehicle&#39;s side surface is the outward facing surface of the vehicle&#39;s swung-open door. In some examples, the vehicle backing against the edge seal is what deploys the side seal. Some example weather barrier apparatus disclosed herein include an upper seal member and two side seal members, where vehicle-activated movement of the upper seal and side seal members are coordinated to seek and seal against rear corners of a cargo opening of the vehicle. In some examples, one or more seal members lengthen in response to the size and position of the vehicle.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates generally to vehicle-actuated membersand, more specifically, to vehicle-actuated weather barrier apparatus.

BACKGROUND

Dock weather barriers (weather barrier apparatus), such as dock sealsand dock shelters prevent the ingress of outdoor environmentalconditions or contaminants (e.g., rain, snow, wind, hot/coldtemperatures, insects, animals, etc.) into the interior of a buildingand/or cargo area of a vehicle during the loading or unloading of thevehicle. Dock shelters and seals also prevent the egress of conditionedair from within a building and/or a vehicle cargo area to the outdoorenvironment.

Some known dock seals use side members having a compressible foam coreor body surrounded by a coated fabric or vinyl outer layer. The foamcore provides sufficient structural rigidity to enable the side membersto be extended a short distance from the building wall surrounding theloading dock. The coated fabric outer layer protects the foam core fromoutdoor environmental conditions (e.g., moisture), provides wearresistance to repeated impacts from the rear portions of vehicles, andmay provide desirable aesthetic qualities. Additionally, a headerstructure may span between the side members along a top portion of theloading dock opening. The header structure may be another compressiblemember similar in construction to the side members and, in some cases,may include a weighted fabric curtain that hangs downwardly to contactthe top of a truck trailer to form an environmental barrier along thetop of the trailer.

Another type of dock seal uses inflatable side members and a headerstructure having internal compressible resilient pads, which providesome degree of side member compressibility when the side members are ina deflated condition. In either case, when the rear portion of a vehicle(e.g., a truck trailer) is backed into either foam or inflatable dockseal side and header members, the side and header members are compressedtoward the building wall to form a seal along the lateral and top backedges of the vehicle. If present, the head curtain sweeps along the topof the trailer to form a seal at the top of the trailer between the sidemembers. Dock seals typically consume a relatively small amount of wallspace and can provide a relatively high quality seal between the rearedges of a vehicle and the outside building wall surrounding the dock.However, when the dock seal side members are compressed, they may bedisplaced into or otherwise encroach on the opening to the rear of thedocked vehicle. As a result, the compressed side member may interferewith operation of a fork lift and/or an operator during loading andunloading activities. In addition, inflatable dock seals are susceptibleto power losses and tears that compromise the ability of the sidemembers to inflate to provide an acceptable seal.

In contrast to dock seals, some known dock shelters use side membersthat are mounted to the outside building wall surrounding the loadingdock. The side members are spaced well to the outside of the sides of adocked vehicle. The side members are configured to extend (i.e., to becantilevered) an appreciable distance from the outside building wall,particularly in cases where a dock leveler protrudes from the dockopening. The side members may also support flexible seal members or sidecurtains extending inwardly from the side members across at least aportion of the opening defined by the side members. When a vehicle suchas, for example, a truck trailer, is backed into the opening of the dockshelter, the inwardly facing edges of the seal members or side curtainsresiliently deflect and sweep against the lateral sides of the trailerto form an environmental barrier therebetween. As with dock seals, dockshelters also typically include a header structure, which may include ahead curtain, to form an environmental barrier along the top edge of therear of the vehicle.

In contrast to dock seals, dock shelters typically provide unobstructedaccess to a vehicle cargo area opening (i.e., there are no foam pads orthe like to be compressed and displaced into the opening adjacent therear of the vehicle). However, most known dock shelter side members areconstructed using rigid wood, fiberglass or metal frames capable ofsupporting the weight of the seal members or side curtains, which areusually held at an appreciable distance (e.g., several feet) from thebuilding wall. Such side members may be permanently deformed or damagedif they are impacted by a vehicle. Accordingly, bumpers or stops may bemounted to the lower edge of the dock shelter to prevent a vehicle(e.g., a truck trailer) from impacting and damaging the rigid shelter.

The rigid side members used to implement these known dock shelters arealso typically mechanically coupled via the header and/or another rigidmember to provide increased lateral rigidity to the dock shelter tominimize the ability of the side members to move from side-to-side.Because of this, the side members typically have to be mountedrelatively far apart to accommodate a wide range of possible off-centervehicle positions relative to the opening of the building. Thisrelatively large distance between the rigid side members consumes asignificant and, thus, expensive amount of building wall space for eachloading dock opening.

Some example dock shelters employ impactable side members. Theimpactable side members are similar to those used with dock seals andtypically use a foam core or body surrounded by a coated fabric outerlayer. Seal members or side curtains, which may be constructed using afabric and flexible fiberglass stays combination or a foam core andfabric combination, are typically mounted to the side members to extendat least partially across the shelter opening. When a vehicle is backedinto the shelter, the inwardly facing edges of the seal members or sidecurtains deflect and sweep against the sides of the vehicle to form anenvironmental barrier or seal against the sides of the vehicle. In theevent the off-center position of a vehicle results in the rear of thevehicle impacting a side member, the foam core or body of the sidemember is resiliently compressed. When the vehicle is pulled away froman impacted side member, the foam core of the side member causes theside member to substantially recover or return to its original conditionor shape prior to being impacted by the vehicle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example weather barrier apparatusconstructed in accordance with the teachings disclosed herein. Theexample weather barrier apparatus of FIG. 1 is shown in a relaxedconfiguration and certain curtains and membranes are omitted to showother features of the weather barrier apparatus more clearly.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 1 but showing the weatherbarrier apparatus in an activated configuration.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 a is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 3 but showing anexample seal return member constructed in accordance with the teachingsdisclosed herein.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 3 but showing anexample vehicle at a position of initial engagement with the exampleweather barrier apparatus.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIGS. 3 and 4 but showingthe vehicle further into engagement with the example weather barrierapparatus.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIGS. 3-5 but showing thevehicle at a parked position and the weather barrier apparatus in anactivated configuration.

FIG. 6 a is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 6 but showing theexample seal return member illustrated in FIG. 3 a.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 7 but showing thevehicle at a lower position.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 6 but showing thevehicle departing a loading dock and showing the example weather barrierapparatus in a departing activated configuration.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 9 but showing thevehicle at the position of initial engagement with the example weatherbarrier apparatus.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIGS. 9 and 10 but showingthe vehicle at the parked position with the example weather barrierapparatus in the activated configuration.

FIG. 12 is a front view of FIG. 1 but with the vehicle omitted to showthe example weather barrier apparatus more clearly.

FIG. 13 is a front view of FIG. 2 but with the vehicle omitted to showthe example weather barrier apparatus more clearly.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating an example method associatedwith an example weather barrier apparatus constructed in accordance withteachings disclosed herein.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating another example methodassociated with an example weather barrier apparatus constructed inaccordance with teachings disclosed herein.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating another example methodassociated with an example weather barrier apparatus constructed inaccordance with teachings disclosed herein.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing example contact lines of anexample weather barrier apparatus constructed in accordance withteachings disclosed herein.

FIG. 18 is a side view of an example weather barrier apparatusconstructed in accordance with teachings disclosed herein.

FIG. 19 is a side view similar to FIG. 18 but showing a vehicle engagingthe example weather barrier apparatus of FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is a partial, exploded perspective view of the example weatherbarrier apparatus shown in FIGS. 18 and 19.

FIG. 21 is a side view of an example weather barrier apparatusconstructed in accordance with teachings disclosed herein.

FIG. 22 is a side view similar to FIG. 21 but showing a vehicle engagingthe example weather barrier apparatus of FIGS. 18-21.

FIG. 23 is a side view of an example weather barrier apparatusconstructed in accordance with teachings disclosed herein.

FIG. 24 is a side view similar to FIG. 23 but showing a vehicle engagingthe example weather barrier apparatus of FIG. 23.

FIG. 25 is a schematic view illustrating an example operation of anexample curtain constructed in accordance with teachings disclosedherein.

FIG. 26 is a side view of an example weather barrier apparatusconstructed in accordance with teachings disclosed herein.

FIG. 27 is a side view similar to FIG. 26 but showing a vehicle engagingthe example weather barrier apparatus of FIG. 26.

FIG. 28 is a side view of an example weather barrier apparatusconstructed in accordance with teachings disclosed herein.

FIG. 29 is a side view similar to FIG. 28 but showing a vehicle engagingthe example weather barrier apparatus of FIG. 28.

FIG. 30 is a front view of an example weather barrier apparatusconstructed in accordance with teachings disclosed herein.

FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line 31-31 ofFIG. 30.

FIG. 32 is a front view similar to FIG. 30 but showing a vehicle'sinitial contact with the example weather barrier apparatus of FIGS. 30and 31.

FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line 33-33 ofFIG. 32.

FIG. 34 is a front view similar to FIG. 32 but showing the vehiclehaving moved closer toward the wall and the example weather barrierapparatus reacting accordingly.

FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line 35-35 ofFIG. 34.

FIG. 36 is a front view similar to FIG. 34 but showing the vehiclehaving shifted downward and leftward with the example weather barrierapparatus reacting accordingly.

FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line 37-37 ofFIG. 36.

FIG. 38 is a side view of an example weather barrier apparatusconstructed in accordance with teachings disclosed herein.

FIG. 39 is a side view similar to FIG. 38 but showing a vehicle engagingthe example weather barrier apparatus of FIG. 38.

FIG. 40 is a top view of an example weather barrier apparatusconstructed in accordance with teachings disclosed herein.

FIG. 41 is a top view similar to FIG. 40 but showing a vehicle engagingthe example weather barrier apparatus of FIG. 40.

FIG. 42 shows a top view of an example side seal member pivotablyattached to an example support member.

FIG. 43 is a perspective view of an example support member of theexample weather barriers of FIGS. 38-42.

FIG. 44 is a front view of an example weather barrier apparatusconstructed in accordance with teachings disclosed herein.

FIG. 45 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 45-45 of FIG. 44.

FIG. 46 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 45 but showing avehicle engaging the example weather barrier apparatus of FIGS. 44 and45.

FIG. 47 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 47-47 of FIG. 44.

FIG. 48 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 47 but showing avehicle engaging the example weather barrier apparatus of FIGS. 44-47.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1-13 show an example weather barrier apparatus 10 constructed inaccordance with the teachings disclosed herein. The example weatherbarrier apparatus 10 of FIGS. 1-13 has various vehicle-actuated membersto seal or shelter a vehicle 12 (e.g., truck, trailer, etc.) parked at aloading dock 14 of a building 16. Building 16 includes a wall 18 and adoorway 20 through which cargo is transferred between vehicle 12 and aninterior dock area 22 of building 16. In some examples, vehicle 12 backsinto the weather barrier apparatus 10 in a direction toward doorway 20,vehicle 12 moves and/or lengthens at least one of an upper seal member24 and a side seal member 26 (e.g., a first side seal member 26 a and asecond side seal member 26 b) such that seal members 24 and 26 seek andseal the vehicle's rearward facing edge 28 and rear corners 30. Rearwardfacing edge 28 of vehicle 12 includes a first rear edge 32, a secondrear edge 34 and an upper rear edge 36. As a result of the weatherbarrier apparatus 10 seeking the vehicle's rearward facing edge 28 andcorners 30, the weather barrier apparatus 10 reduces (e.g., minimizes)the seal member's encroachment into and/or obstruction of a cargopassageway 38 running between doorway 20 and a rear door opening 40(FIG. 9) of vehicle 12.

Cargo passageway 38 is defined as a projection of doorway 20, wherecargo passageway 38 has a passageway height 42 and a passageway width 44substantially equal to the doorway's height 46 and width 48,respectively. The doorway's height 46 and width 48 lie along a plane 50(FIGS. 3 and 9) that is generally parallel to wall 18. A line 52perpendicular to plane 50 extends substantially parallel to the generaldirection along which cargo travels through passageway 38. Wall 18 hasan exterior surface 54 facing in a forward direction 56 parallel to line52. The term, “plane” and “line” means that the plane and the linepertain to geometry as opposed to an actual physical structure.

In some examples, to seek and seal the vehicle's rearward facing edge 28and rear corners 30, upper seal member 24 pivots relative to the sideseal members 26 and/or the dock wall (e.g., in a downward direction),and side seal members 26 deflect laterally and/or lengthen vertically toaccommodate the position and dimensions of vehicle 12. The movement ofseal members 24 and 26 is in reaction to vehicle 12 moving from adeparted position in which vehicle 12 is spaced apart from or disengagedwith the weather barrier apparatus 10 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1) to aparked position in front of doorway 20 in which vehicle 12 (e.g., fully)engages weather barrier apparatus 10 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 2). Theweather barrier apparatus 10 is in a relaxed configuration when vehicle12 is in the departed position (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 1, 3, 9 and 12).Vehicle 12 in the parked position causes or forces weather barrierapparatus 10 to an activated configuration, as shown for example inFIGS. 2, 6-8, 11 and 13.

Although the actual structure and function of weather barrier apparatus10 may vary, in some examples, upper seal member 24 is part of anoverall header structure 58, and side seal member 26 is part of anoverall side structure 60, where structures 58 and 60 are examples ofvehicle-actuated weather barrier members or apparatus. In the exampleillustrated in FIGS. 3-8, header structure 58 includes an upper supportmember 62 attached to the wall's exterior surface 54, a swing arm 64with an upper end 66 pivotally coupled to upper support member 62, upperseal member 24 being pivotally coupled to a lower end 68 of swing arm64, and a brace 70 having one end 72 connected to upper support member62 and an opposite end 74 connected to an intermediate point 76 on swingarm 64. To provide upper support member 62 with the ability torestorably yield, flex or resiliently deform in the event of an impactfrom a vehicle, some examples of upper support member 62, as shown inFIG. 3, include a frame member 63 pivotal about a pin 65. Upper sealmember 24 includes an upper edge seal 78 for sealing against thevehicle's upper rear edge 36 and, in some examples, may also include anupper surface seal 80 for sealing against an upper panel 82 of vehicle12. In some examples, a shiftable connection 84 (e.g., a slider) couplesupper edge seal 78 to upper seal member's lower end 68. Shiftableconnection 84 (which will be explained later in greater detail) easesthe disengagement of upper edge seal 78 and upper rear edge 36 asvehicle 12 departs dock 14 and disengages from weather barrier apparatus10.

An example operation of header structure 58 follows the example sequenceillustrated in FIGS. 3-8. FIG. 3 shows vehicle 12 in the departed ordisengaged position backing toward header structure 58. During theapproach, vehicle 12 is separated or disengaged from weather barrierapparatus 10 and header structure 58 such that weather barrier apparatus10 is in the relaxed configuration (e.g., an initial position) withupper seal member 24 being in a lowered or stored position. In therelaxed configuration, swing arm 64 hangs downward to a forward positiondue to the swing arm's weight, the weight of upper seal member 24 and/orthe force of brace 70 pushing or biasing swing arm 64 to the forwardposition (e.g., biasing the lower end 68 of swing arm 64 away from thewall 18). In some examples, brace 70 includes a spring 86 that urgesswing arm 64 to the forward position. Spring 86 is schematicallyillustrated to represent any resilient member being part of or coupledto brace 70. In some examples, spring 86 is provided by brace 70 itselfbeing a pneumatic spring.

Some examples of header structure 58 include a spring 88 urging upperseal member 24 to the generally upright position, as shown in FIG. 3.Spring 88 is schematically illustrated to represent any resilient member(e.g., extension spring, compression spring, pneumatic spring, leafspring, elastic cord, etc.) that urges upper seal member 24 to thegenerally upright position. In the illustrated example, spring 88 urgesupper seal member 24 to rotate (e.g., upwards) about the swing arm'slower end 68 toward the wall 18. In some examples, the swing arm's lowerend 68 is an element that slides, shifts, moves or otherwise travelsalong respective ends of a slot 90 in shiftable connection 84. In someexamples, the element is a pin protruding (e.g., laterally) into slot90.

In addition or as an alternative to spring 88, some examples of headerstructure 58 include a seal return member 88′ in the form of a pliableelongate member of fixed length extending between one point 87 on upperseal member 24 and an anchor point 89 near the lower end of uppersupport member 62. Examples of seal return member 88′ include, but arenot limited to, a strap, a sheet of pliable material, a cable, a chain,a rope, etc. When weather barrier apparatus 10 is in the relaxedconfiguration, as shown in FIG. 3 a, the linear distance between points87 and 89 makes seal return member 88′ substantially taut such that sealreturn member 4 pulls upper seal member 24 to its upright position. Whenweather barrier apparatus 10 is in the activated configuration, as shownin FIG. 6 a, the distance between points 87 and 89 is less than theoverall length of seal return member 88′, whereby seal return member 88′becomes slack, which allows upper seal member 24 to descend upon vehicle12.

For greater sealing integrity, some examples of header structure 58include at least one of a pliable membrane 92 a, a front curtain 94 anda back membrane 96. Pliable membrane 92 a, in some examples, extendsfrom upper seal member 24 to a peripheral region 98 a of doorway 20 tospan an overhead gap 100 that might otherwise exist between seal member24 and wall 18. Front curtain 94, in some examples, hangs from a frontedge 102 of upper support member 62 and helps seal gaps that might existbetween upper support member 62 and the vehicle's upper panel 82. Backmembrane 96, in some examples, extends between upper seal member 24 andfront curtain 94 to help seal gaps that might exist in that area. Insome examples, each of membranes 92 a, 94 and 96 are made of a pliablesheet of material. The term, “pliable” as it relates to a sheet ofmaterial means that the material is sufficiently flexible to be foldedover onto itself without experiencing significant permanent deformationwhen subsequently unfolded.

FIG. 4 shows the initial movement or reaction of weather barrierapparatus 10 as the vehicle's upper rear edge 36 first engages headerstructure 58. During initial contact, the vehicle's upper rear edge 36effectively engages upper seal member 24. The term, “effectivelyengages” (and derivatives thereof) as used with reference, for example,to a seal member effectively engaging a vehicle means that the sealmember either touches the vehicle directly or with some intermediateelement (e.g., a curtain membrane) interposed in compression between theseal member and the vehicle. In the illustrated example of, “thevehicle's upper rear edge 36 effectively engages upper seal member 24,”this means that engagement occurs but with front curtain 94 sometimesbeing interposed in compression between edge 36 and upper seal member24. During initial engagement, vehicle 12 pushes upper seal member 24and swing arm 64 (e.g., the lower end 68) back toward doorway 20 aboutthe pivot 66 of the swing arm 64. The vehicle's pushing force overcomesthe spring force of brace 70 applied to the swing arm's 64 intermediatepoint 76. As a result, vehicle 12 forces upper seal member 24 and swingarm 64 to rotate about the upper end 66 of swing arm 64. Vehicle 12eventually pushes swing arm 64 to its deflected position shown in FIG. 6as vehicle 12 continues to move toward the doorway 20.

In the illustrated example, vehicle 12 continues to move back towarddoorway 20 from the position shown in FIG. 4 to an intermediate positionshown in FIG. 5. In doing so, the vehicle's upper rear edge 36 slidesalong upper seal member 24 until the vehicle's upper rear edge 36engages upper edge seal 78, thereby placing weather barrier apparatus 10in an intermediate configuration, as shown in FIG. 5. From the positionshown in FIG. 5, vehicle 12 continues moving back toward wall 18 to theposition shown in FIG. 6. In FIG. 6, vehicle 12 is shown in the parkedposition (e.g., a loading/unloading position) with weather barrierapparatus 10 in an activated configuration and upper seal member 24 in araised or sealing position. As vehicle 12 moves back toward the doorway20 from the position shown in FIG. 5 to that shown in FIG. 6, severalthings happen.

One, the rearward force that vehicle 12 exerts against upper seal member24 coupled with the force that spring 86 exerts against swing arm 64causes upper seal member 24 and shiftable link 84 to rotate (e.g.,squarely) against the vehicle's upper rear edge 36. Upper rear edge 36is a general region of vehicle 12, where upper rear edge 36, morespecifically, includes a rear portion 36 a and a top portion 36 b (FIG.3). Rear portion 36 a generally faces toward doorway 20, and top portion36 b faces generally upward. The rotation of upper seal member 24rotates upper seal member 24 downward toward the vehicle's upper panel82. This places upper surface seal 80 of upper seal member 24 ineffective engagement with upper panel 82. In some examples, uppersurface seal 80 engages upper panel 82 directly, and in other examples,a lower end of front curtain 94 is (e.g., compressively) interposedbetween upper surface seal 80 and upper panel 82.

Two, vehicle 12 pushing upper seal member 24 and shiftable connection 84back while brace 70 attempts holding the swing arm's lower end 68stationary causes relative sliding motion between the swing link's lowerend 68 and shiftable connection 84. The relative sliding motion movesthe swing link's lower end 68 to the front end of the shiftableconnection's slot 90 (e.g., pin or lower end 68 moves or slides from oneend of slot 90 to the other end of slot 90).

Three, after the swing link's lower end 68 reaches the forward end oftravel within slot 90, vehicle 12 continues pushing upper edge seal 78and shiftable connection 84 back toward doorway 20. In some examples,swing arm 64 is extendable (e.g., telescopic). As a result, vehicle 12continued push of upper edge seal 78 and shiftable connection 84 backtoward doorway 20 forces swing arm 64 to extend in opposition to aspring or biasing element 104 associated with swing arm 64 and shiftableconnection 84. Spring 104 is schematically illustrated to represent anymeans for urging swing arm 64 to the retracted position (e.g., aposition providing a minimum length) and/or for urging shiftableconnection 84 toward the swing arm's upper end 66. Examples of spring 64include, but are not limited to, an extension spring, a compressionspring, a pneumatic spring, a leaf spring, an elastic cord, etc. In someexamples, spring 104 is an extension spring positioned within or insidea housing of swing arm 64 with opposite ends of spring 104 beingconnected to the swing arm's upper end 66 and shiftable connection 84.In some examples, spring 104 is an extension spring on the exterior ofswing arm 64 with opposite ends of spring 104 being connected to theswing arm's upper end 66 and shiftable connection 84.

With vehicle 12 in the parked position and weather barrier apparatus 10in the activated configuration, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 6 a, upper edgeseal 78 effectively engages and seals against the vehicle's upper rearedge 36. In addition or alternatively, in some examples, upper surfaceseal 80 effectively engages and seals against the vehicle's upper panel82. In some examples, upper edge seal 78 includes a catch 78 a and/or afoot 78 b. In some examples, catch 78 a effectively engages and sealsagainst rear portion 36 a of the vehicle's upper rear edge 36. In someexamples, catch 78 a effectively engages but does not necessarily sealagainst rear portion 36 a. In some examples, foot 78 b effectivelyengages and seals against top portion 36 b of the vehicle's upper rearedge 36. In some examples, foot 78 b effectively engages but doesnecessarily seal against top portion 36 b of the vehicle's upper rearedge 36.

To enhance sealing, some examples of foot 78 b, catch 78 a and uppersurface seal 80 include a sealing element 106 that compliantly sealsagainst the vehicle's upper rear edge 36 and/or upper panel 82. Sealingelement 106 is schematically illustrated to represent any compliantfeature that promotes or effects sealing. Examples of sealing element106 include, but are not limited to, a rubber pad, a foam pad, a gasket,one or more lips of flexible strips of material, flexible pleats, and asheet of flexible material formed to create a compressible bulb or loop,etc.

FIG. 7 shows the configuration of header structure 58 when the vehicle'supper panel 82 is lower than the position of the upper panel 82 shown inFIG. 6. For example, the upper panel 82 may move to a lower positionrelative to doorway 20 when heavy cargo and/or a forklift enter thecargo bay of vehicle 12. In other cases, instead of vehicle 12 beingpositioned at the height shown in FIG. 6, a vehicle having a smalleroverall height might enter dock 14. When the vehicle's upper panel 82descends or is otherwise at a lower position as shown in FIG. 7, brace70 under spring force extends toward swing arm 64 to hold upper edgeseal 78 (e.g., downward) in engagement against the vehicle's upper rearedge 36. Swing arm 64 having a variable length 108 provides upper edgeseal 78 with a freedom of travel (e.g., vertical travel) that allowsupper edge seal 78 to follow the vertical movement of the vehicle'supper rear edge 36.

After loading or unloading vehicle 12 and vehicle 12 begins departingdock 14, as shown in FIG. 8, the vehicle's initial forward movement 110away from doorway 20 causes rear edge seal 78 and shiftable connection84 to move forward as well. Lost motion of the brace's lower end 68relative to shiftable connection 84 shifts lower end 68 to the back endof slot 90 (i.e., causes lower end 68 to move between the forward andrearward ends of the slot 90), as shown in FIG. 8. Although FIGS. 6 and8 show weather barrier apparatus 10 in the activated configuration, FIG.6 shows weather barrier apparatus 10 in an arriving activatedconfiguration, and FIG. 8 shows weather barrier apparatus 10 in adeparting activated configuration. Spring 104 acting upon shiftableconnection 84 urges weather barrier apparatus 10 to the departingactivated configuration. The shifting motion at shiftable connection 84positions the brace's lower end 68 near or behind the rear portion 36 aof the vehicle's upper rear edge 36, so upper seal member 24 readily“falls off” or disengages upper rear edge 36 as vehicle 12 departs andmoves away from doorway 20. In some examples, to prevent a similarreleasing action as vehicle 12 vacillates vertically and/orback-and-forth during loading and unloading operations, slot 90 is at aslight incline to bias the brace's bottom end 68 toward the forward endof slot 90.

Header structure 58 can be used alone or with various types of sidesealing structures. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 and further to FIGS.9-11, some examples of side structure 60 include a side support member112 attached to wall 18, side seal member 26 pivotally attached to sidesupport member 112, and, in some examples, a pliable membrane 92 bextending from side seal member 26 to a peripheral region 98 b ofdoorway 20. Pliable membrane 92 b spans a lateral gap 114 that mightotherwise exist between side seal member 26 and peripheral region 98 b.

In the illustrated example, side support member 112 comprises twoflexible panels 116 spaced apart at a mounting base 118 and converge orcome together at an apex 120 where side seal member 26 connects to sidesupport member 112. Apex 120 is at a vertically extending pivotal axis122 about which side seal member 26 pivots relative to side supportmember 112. In some examples, a flexible fabric lap joint at apex 120pivotally connects side seal member 26 to side support member 112. Insome examples, resiliently compressible foam fills the space betweenpanels 116. In some examples, side support member 112 is hollow betweenpanels 116. In some examples, side support member 112 includes a window124.

Side seal member 26, in some examples, includes a side edge seal 126and/or a side surface seal 128, where pivotal axis 122 lies betweenseals 126 and 128. When vehicle 12 is in the parked position and weatherbarrier apparatus 10 is in the activated configuration, side supportmember 112 responds by bending toward vehicle 12 such that side edgeseal 126 effectively engages rear edge 32 and side surface seal 128engages a side panel 130 of vehicle 12, as shown in FIG. 11. The bendingmotion of side support member 112 positions pivotal axis 122 closer tovehicle 12 when vehicle 12 is at the parked position (FIG. 11) than whenvehicle 12 is at the departed position (FIG. 9) or at the intermediateposition (FIG. 10). Side panel 130 is any vehicular surface that isapproximately vertical and facing in a direction that is approximatelyperpendicular to line 52. Examples of side panel 130 include, but arenot limited to, the side of vehicle 12 (e.g., where the vehicle has arear door that operates vertically) and a side (e.g., an inner surface)of a swung-open rear door panel 132 of vehicle 12 (e.g., door panel 132being hinged to the vehicle's rearward facing edge 28).

An example operation of side structure 60 follows the example sequenceillustrated in FIGS. 9-11. FIG. 9 shows vehicle 12 in the departedposition backing or moving toward side structure 60. During thisapproach, vehicle 12 is separated from weather barrier apparatus 10 andside structure 60, and so weather barrier apparatus 10, as shown in FIG.9, is in the relaxed configuration and side seal member 26 is in thepreparatory or stored position. In the relaxed configuration, side sealmember 26 is biased to position side edge seal 126 within cargopassageway 38.

FIG. 10 shows the vehicle's initial contact with side seal member 26 asvehicle 12 moves toward doorway 20. In this example, the vehicle's rearedge 32 engages side seal member 26 along a generally vertical line orarea of contact 134 between side edge seal 126 and pivotal axis 122.From the position shown in FIG. 10, as vehicle 12 continues moving backtoward doorway 20, side seal member 26 and side support member 112deflect, as shown in FIG. 11.

FIG. 11 shows vehicle 12 at the parked position with weather barrierapparatus 10 in the activated configuration (e.g., vehicle 12 ispositioned for loading/unloading operation). In the activatedconfiguration, side edge seal 126 effectively engages the vehicle's rearedge 32, and in some examples, side surface seal 128 effectively engagesthe vehicle's side panel 130. Side structure 60 can be used alone and/orwith various types of header structures. In some examples, sidestructure 60 can be configured (e.g., positioned horizontally) and usedas a header structure, where side structure 60 is generally horizontallyelongate and installed above doorway 20. In some examples, headerstructure 58 can be configured (e.g., turned upright) and used as a sidestructure, where header structure 58 is generally vertically elongateand installed on either side of doorway 20.

In some examples where weather barrier apparatus 10 includes both headerstructure 58 and side structure 60, as shown in FIGS. 1-8, a coupling136 between seal members 24 and 26 coordinates the vertical pivotalmotion of upper seal member 24 with vertical lengthening or sliding(e.g., vertical positioning) of side structure 60. Coupling 136 incombination with side structure 60 being vertically extendable enablesthe seal members 24 and 26 of weather barrier apparatus 10 to seek andseal against the vehicle's rearward facing edges 28 and corners 30 withminimal obstruction of cargo passageway 38.

To render side structure 60 vertically extendable, some examples of sideseal member 26 include a lower side seal segment 26 a connected to anupper side seal segment 26 b such that one segment can move, shift orslide vertically relative to the other segment. In some examples, asshown in FIGS. 1, 12 and 13, lower side seal segment 26 a is pivotallyattached to side support member 112, and both are of a fixed verticallength (e.g., side support member 112 has a substantially constantvertical length 138 as shown in FIG. 12). Upper side seal segment 26 bis nested within lower side seal segment 26 a. Upper side seal segment26 b can slide vertically along lower side seal segment 26 a while upperside seal segment 26 b is constrained laterally between edges 140 and142 of lower side seal segment 26 a. In some examples, an upper sideseal segment similar in function to upper side seal segment 26 b isattached to the back face of lower side seal segment 26 a. Suchback-mounted upper side seal segments include guide rods, a verticalslit and/or other features for accommodating the pivotal connection (ataxis 122) between side support member 112 and the backside of lower sideseal segment 26 a.

Coupling 136 helps hold side edge seal 126 adjacent to upper edge seal78 at a corner region 144 of weather barrier apparatus 10. Coupling 136maintains edge seals 78 and 126 in closest proximity at corner region144 regardless of whether barrier apparatus 10 is in the relaxed oractivated configuration. Corner region 144 is the area of weatherbarrier apparatus 10 that moves into position to seal the general areaof the vehicle's upper rear corners 30. Specifically, in some examples,corner region 144 is at a first location (FIG. 12) when weather barrierapparatus 10 is in the relaxed configuration, and corner region 144 isat a second location (FIG. 13) when weather barrier apparatus 10 is inthe activated configuration. In other words, the example corner region144 moves in a first direction (e.g., a vertical direction) and a seconddirection (e.g., a horizontal direction) different than the firstdirection when vehicle 12 engages and disengages the weather barrierapparatus 10. For example, in the illustrated example, the firstlocation is within or adjacent cargo passageway 38 and the secondlocation is higher than the first location such that the second locationis further away from the cargo passageway 38. Upper edge seal 78 at thesecond location is interposed between doorway 20 and vehicle 12 whenvehicle 12 is at the parked position, and side edge seal 126 at thesecond location is interposed between doorway 20 and vehicle 12 whenvehicle 12 is at the parked position.

To achieve such function, in some examples, coupling 136 is generallyL-shaped with a first leg 146 that is horizontally elongate and slideslengthwise within a tube 148 that is attached directly or indirectly toupper seal member 24. Tube 148 provides an axially slidable connectionbetween first leg 146 and upper seal member 24. The axially slidableconnection enables weather barrier apparatus 10 to accommodate vehiclesof various widths. In some examples, the axially slidable connectionalso provides a rotatable connection between first leg 146 and upperseal member 24. First leg 146 being able to rotate within tube 148enables weather barrier apparatus 10 to move through the variouspositions shown in FIGS. 3-6. In this example, coupling 136 has a secondleg 150 that is vertically elongate and points downward. A pivotal link152 connects second leg 150 to a lug 154 protruding from upper side sealsegment 126 b. A pin 156 pivotally connects pivotal link 152 to lug 154,and a head 158 on the lower end of second leg 150 holds pivotal link 152engaged to second leg 150. With this arrangement, upper side sealsegment 26 b hangs suspended from upper seal member 24, whereby headerstructure 58 carries at least some weight of upper side seal segment 26b.

As vehicle 12 backs into weather barrier apparatus 10 and pushes upperseal member 24 upward, coupling 136 pulls upper side seal segment 26 bup with it such that rear edge seal 78 and upper side seal segment 26 brise together. Thus, side seal member 26 lengthens while the length ofside support member 112 stays constant. Due to side seal member 26having an adjustable vertical length 160, side structure 60 has avariable overall length 162 that is significantly greater in theactivated configuration (FIG. 13) than in the relaxed configuration(FIG. 12). The expression, “a variable overall length that issignificantly greater in the activated configuration than in the relaxedconfiguration,” means, in some examples, that the variable overalllength is at least 6 inches greater in the activated configuration thanin the relaxed configuration and that the change in length is not merelythe result of inconsequential expansion or distortion due to inflationor foam compression.

As vehicle 12 backs into weather barrier apparatus 10, coupling 136 alsoallows side edge seal 126 to move laterally outward (to seek thevehicle's vertical rear edges 32 and 34) while maintaining side edgeseal 126 and upper edge seal 78 in proximity with each other at cornerregion 144. The coupling's leg 146 sliding within tube 148 allowscoupling 136 to follow the lateral movement of side edge seal 126.

In examples where pivotal coupling 136 includes pivotal link 152, asopposed to leg 150 being pivotally connected to lug 154 directly,pivotal link 152 provides offset pivotal axes 162 and 164, where secondleg 150 defines first axis 162 and pin 166 defines second axis 164.Pivotal link 152 renders second leg 150 rotatable about second axis 164.The offset between axes 162 and 164 accommodates vehicles having upperrear edge 36 that is horizontally offset to the vehicle's vertical rearedges 32 and 34. FIG. 3, for example, shows vehicle 12 with an offsetdistance 168 between upper rear edge 36 and edges 32 and 34.

FIG. 14 illustrates an example weather barrier method 170 involving theuse of weather barrier apparatus 10. In this example, block 172 in FIG.14 and arrow 174 in FIG. 3 illustrate vehicle 12 moving toward doorway20. Block 176 illustrates rearward facing edge 28 engaging first sealsegment 26 a and second seal segment 26 b of side edge seal 26. Block178 and FIGS. 2 and 11 illustrate creating or causing a first line ofcontact 180 between first seal segment 26 a and rearward facing edge 28of vehicle 12. Block 182 and FIGS. 2 and 11 illustrate creating orforming a second line of contact 184 between second seal segment 26 band rearward facing edge 28 of vehicle 12, where second line of contact184 is substantially collinear with first line of contact 180. Block 186and FIG. 2 in comparison to FIG. 1 illustrate second seal segment 26 bmoving relative to first seal segment 26 a in a direction substantiallyparallel to first line of contact 180 and second line of contact 182.Block 188 illustrates first seal segment 26 a engaging first rear edge32 of vehicle 12, and block 190 illustrates second seal segment 26 bengaging first rear edge 32 of vehicle 12.

FIG. 15 illustrates another example weather barrier method 192 involvingthe use of weather barrier apparatus 10. In this example, block 194 andarrow 174 of FIG. 3 illustrate vehicle 12 moving toward doorway 20 suchthat rearward facing edge 28 faces and approaches wall 18 and/or doorway20. Block 196 and FIG. 11 illustrate rearward facing edge 28 of vehicle12 engaging a rear edge seal 198 (e.g., seal 78 and/or 126) of weatherbarrier apparatus 10. Block 200, FIG. 13 in comparison to FIG. 12, andarrows 202, 204 and 206 illustrate while backing vehicle 12 towarddoorway 20, vehicle 12 shifting weather barrier apparatus 10. Block 208,arrow 210 of FIG. 13, and FIG. 13 in comparison to FIG. 12 illustrate inreaction to vehicle 12 shifting weather barrier apparatus 10, upper sealmember 24 and/or side seal member 26 increasing in length. Arrow 210 ofFIG. 13 illustrates upper side seal segment 26 b sliding along lowerside seal segment 26 a.

FIG. 16 illustrates another example weather barrier method 212 involvingthe use of weather barrier apparatus 10. In this example, block 214 inFIG. 16 and arrow 174 of FIG. 3 illustrate backing vehicle 12 towarddoorway 20. Block 216, FIG. 5 and FIG. 10 illustrate, as a result ofbacking vehicle 12 toward doorway 20, rearward facing edge 28 engagingrear edge seal 198 (e.g., seal 78 and/or 126) while a surface seal 218(e.g., seal 80 and/or 128) is spaced apart from vehicle 12. Block 220and arrow 222 of FIG. 10 illustrates after rearward facing edge 28effectively engages rear edge seal 198 (e.g., seal 78 and/or 126) whilea surface seal 224 (e.g., seal 80 and/or 128) is spaced apart fromvehicle 12, backing vehicle 12 closer to doorway 20. Block 226,comparing FIGS. 10 and 11, and comparing FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate whilebacking vehicle 12 closer to doorway 20, pushing rear edge seal 198closer to doorway 20. Block 228, FIGS. 6 and 11 illustrate in reactionto pushing rear edge seal 198 closer to doorway 20, forcing or causingsurface seal 224 into effective engagement with vehicle panel 82 or 130at a point spaced apart from rear edge seal 198. Block 230 and arrow 232of FIG. 10 illustrate while backing vehicle 12 closer to doorway 20,rotating rear edge seal 198 and surface seal 224 about substantiallyvertical axis 134. Block 234 and arrow 236 of FIG. 10 illustrate whilebacking vehicle 12 closer to doorway 20, bending side support member 112toward vehicle 12. Block 238 and arrow 238 of FIG. 10 illustrate whilebacking vehicle 12 closer to doorway 20, moving the substantiallyvertical axis 122 closer to vehicle panel 130. Block 240, a force arrow242 of FIG. 6 and a force arrow 244 of FIG. 11 illustrate rear edge seal198 exerting a first force (force 242 or force 244) against rearwardfacing edge 28. Block 246, a force arrow 248 of FIG. 6 and a force arrow250 of FIG. 11 illustrate surface seal 224 exerting a second force(force 248 or 250) against vehicle panel 82 or 130, where first force242 is greater than second force 248, or first force 244 is greater thansecond force 250. Block 252 illustrates increasing the first force(force 242 or 244). Block 254 illustrates increasing the second force(e.g., force 250) in reaction to increasing the first force (e.g., force244).

FIG. 17, with further reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 6 and 11, shows variouslines of contact between vehicle 12 and some examples of weather barrierapparatus 10. In the illustrated example of FIG. 17, side edge seal 126engages vehicle 12 along a first line or area of contact 256, upper edgeseal 78 engages vehicle 12 along a second line or area of contact 258,side surface seal 128 engages vehicle 12 along a third line or area ofcontact 260, and upper surface seal 80 engages vehicle 12 along a fourthline or area of contact 262. In this example, first contact line 256 andthird contact line 260 are spaced apart and substantially parallel toeach other, second contact line 258 and fourth contact line 262 arespaced apart and substantially parallel to each other, first contactline 256 and second contact line 258 are substantially coplanar, andthird contact line 260 and fourth contact line 262 are substantiallycoplanar. The coplanar relationship of lines 256 and 258 helps preventleakage through the seals where lines 256 and 258 intersect. The same istrue for lines 260 and 262.

In the example illustrated in FIGS. 18, 19 and 20 a weather barrierapparatus 264 includes an example header structure 266 that provides arear edge seal 268 and an upper surface seal 270. Some examples ofheader structure 266 also include a front curtain 272 to further shelterthe upper rear portion of vehicle 12. In reaction to vehicle 12 backinginto weather barrier apparatus 264 from the position shown in FIG. 18 tothe position shown in FIG. 19, rear edge seal 268 engages the vehicle'supper rear edge 36, and surface seal 270 engages the vehicle's upperpanel 82.

In some examples, header structure 266 comprises two extendible swingarms 64 each with its upper end 66 pivotally attached to upper supportmember 62. Spring 104 (e.g., extension spring, elastic band, etc.) urgesswing arm 64 to a retracted position shown in FIG. 18. A lower end 274of swing arm 64 connects to a pivot point 276 on an arm 278 shapedgenerally as shown in FIGS. 18-20. In this example, a rear curtain 280,which provides the sealing surfaces of upper surface seal 270 and rearedge seal 268, is attached to the upper ends of arms 278. In someexamples, a lower end 282 of each arm 278 extends through a notch 284 atthe lower edge of rear curtain 280.

When vehicle 12 backs into weather barrier apparatus 264, as indicatedby arrow 284 of FIG. 18, the arm's lower end 282 catches the vehicle'supper rear edge 36. As vehicle 12 continues traveling back towarddoorway 20, upper rear edge 36 engaging the arm's lower end 282 extendsswing arm 64 and forces or causes arms 64 and rear curtain 280 to pivotdown against the vehicle's upper panel 82, as shown in FIG. 19. In thisposition, rear edge seal 268 seals against the vehicle's upper rear edge36 and surface seal 270 and front curtain 280 seal against the vehicle'supper panel 82.

FIGS. 21 and 22 show an example header structure 286 similar to headerstructure 266 of FIGS. 18-20. With header structure 286, however, a maincurtain 288 replaces front curtain 272, and rear curtain 280 is omitted.Main curtain 288, in some examples, hangs from a forward point 290 onupper support member 62 and lies in front of arm 64. In the illustratedexample, main curtain 288 has a series of overlapping panels 292, atleast some of which press down and seal against the vehicle's upperpanel 82, as shown in FIG. 22.

When vehicle 12 backs into the weather barrier apparatus 286, asindicated by arrow 294 of FIG. 21, the arm's lower end 282 catches thevehicle's upper rear edge 36. As vehicle 12 continues traveling backtoward doorway 20, upper rear edge 36 engaging the arm's lower end 282extends swing arm 64 and forces or causes arms 64 to pivot down againstthe vehicle's upper panel 82, whereby a lower end 296 of main curtain288 becomes pinched or captured between an upper end 300 of arm 278 andthe vehicle's upper panel 82. With the curtain's lower end 296 pinchedbetween the arm's upper end 300 and the vehicle's upper panel 82,further movement of vehicle 12 toward doorway 20 pulls main curtain 288taut, as shown in FIG. 22. In this position, a rear edge seal 298 sealsagainst the vehicle's upper rear edge 36 while upper end 300 and atleast some of the overlapping panels 292 seal against the vehicle'supper panel 82.

FIGS. 23 and 24 show an example header structure 302 similar to headerstructure 286 of FIGS. 21-22. However, header structure 302 has a maincurtain 304 with a series of overlapping panels 306 of varying length(e.g., lengths 308 and 310). The vertical length of each panel 306 isgreater with its distance from the main curtain's lower end 312. Thisincreases the number of panels 306 that can effectively reach and, thus,seal against the vehicle's upper panel 82, as shown in FIG. 24.

FIGS. 25-29 illustrate an example curtain 314 that expands to providegreater sealing pressure against the vehicle's upper panel 82. FIGS. 26and 27 show an upper end 316 of curtain 314 attached to upper supportmember 62 and a lower end 318 attached to the lower end of arm 278. Inthe example of FIGS. 28 and 29, however, the curtain's lower end 320overhangs but does not necessarily connect to the lower end of arm 278.Nonetheless, in either example, as vehicle 12 backs toward doorway 20and thus forces arm 64 to extend, curtain 314 is pulled taut due to thecurtain's lower end 318 and 320 being either attached to or pinchedagainst the lower end of arm 278.

The upper section of FIG. 25 shows curtain 314 relaxed (as would be thecase in FIGS. 26 and 28), and the lower section of FIG. 25 shows curtain314 pulled in tension (as would be the case in FIGS. 27 and 29). In theillustrated examples, curtain 314 includes a series of flexiblerectangular tubes 322 that are collapsible. Tubes 322 are horizontallyelongate and are interconnected generally parallel to each other. Eachtube 322 has internal elastic biasing elements or ties 324 that tend topull their respective tube 322 to a collapsed state, as shown in theupper section of FIG. 25. Each tube 322 also has a semi-rigid panel 326having an internal portion 326 a inside tube 322 and a protrudingportion 326 b extending beyond tube 322. Internal portion 326 a holdsopposite corners 328 of tube 322 at a generally fixed separationdistance 330, regardless of whether curtain 314 is relaxed or taut. Whencurtain 314 is relaxed (FIG. 26, FIG. 28 and the upper section of FIG.25), elastic ties 324 collapse tube 322 so that the semi-rigid panel 326lies at an acute angle 332 to curtain 314 itself. When curtain 314 ispulled taut (FIG. 27, FIG. 29 and the lower section of FIG. 25), thecurtain's overall tension overcomes the tension in elastic ties 324,which causes tube 322 to expand to a rectangular shaped profile so thatthe semi-rigid panel 326 extends generally perpendicular to curtain 314.

In the examples illustrated in FIGS. 25-29, the curtain's ability toextend accommodates the extension of swing arm 64 and the pivotal motionof arm 278. Also, as curtain 314 extends, the overall tension in curtain314 transfers to the series of semi-rigid panels 326 in the form ofsealing pressure against the vehicle's upper panel 82.

FIGS. 30-37 illustrate an example weather barrier apparatus 334 thatincludes a rectangular seal assembly 336 having an upper seal member338, two side seal members 340, and a lower seal member 342 thatgenerally encircle doorway 20. Seal members 338, 340 and 342 seek andseal against inner corners 344 of a vehicle's rear cargo opening 346(e.g., all four corners of a rectangular shaped rear cargo opening) inreaction to vehicle 12 backing into weather barrier apparatus 334. FIGS.30 and 31 show vehicle 12 approaching weather barrier apparatus 344.FIGS. 32 and 33 show initial contact between vehicle 12 and weatherbarrier apparatus 344 as vehicle 12 moves toward doorway 20. FIGS. 34and 35 show vehicle 12 forcing seal members 338, 340 and 342 closer towall 18, and FIGS. 36 and 37 show weather barrier apparatus 334 havingshifted in reaction to vehicle 12 moving down and to the left (as viewedin FIG. 36).

Seal members 338, 340 and 342 of the illustrated example include fourcorner seal segments 348 that telescopically interconnect an upper sealsegment 338′, two side seal segments 340′, and a lower seal segment342′. In some examples, a telescopic connection 350 comprises edges 352of seal segments 338′, 340′ and 342′ sliding lengthwise within slots 354of corner segment 348. In reaction to vehicle 12 backing into weatherbarrier apparatus 334, telescopic connections 350 allow seal members338, 340 and 342 to shift in a direction (e.g., a vertical and/orhorizontal direction) parallel to wall 18 so that weather barrierapparatus 334 can expand to accommodate (e.g., fit the inside) height356 and width 358 of the vehicle's rear cargo opening 346. In someexamples, when no vehicle is present, springs 360 (e.g., extensionspring, elastic cord, etc.) draw or position seal segments 338′, 340′and 342′ into corner segments 348 to reduce or minimize the height andwidth of the rectangular seal assembly 336. Stops 362 on seal segments338′, 340′ and 342′ engage corner segments 348 to limit the dimensionsof seal assembly 336.

To support seal assembly 336 in a way that allows it to expand and sealagainst the vehicle's inner corners 344, a rotatable fastener 364connects each corner segment 348 to a movable support mechanism 366, andanother rotatable fastener 368 connects a base plate 370 of supportmechanism 366 to wall 18. In some examples, support mechanism 366 is afour-bar linkage having two pivotal links 372 connecting a telescopicbar 374 to base plate 370. In addition or as an alternative to springs360, an extension spring 376 urges support mechanism 366 toward thecenter of doorway 20. In some examples, a cable 378 limits or restrictshow far support mechanism 366 can lean forward or extend toward thecenter of doorway 20.

An example sequence of operation can follow the progression of FIGS. 30,32, 34 and 36 (and their corresponding FIGS. 31, 33, 35 and 37,respectively). In FIGS. 30 and 31, vehicle 12 is spaced apart fromweather barrier apparatus 334, rectangular seal assembly 336 is at aninitial position having an initial or minimum size, and support member366 is leaning forward.

FIGS. 32 and 34 show initial contact between a rear edge of vehicle 12and the front face of seal assembly 336. At this point, seal assembly336 has not yet expanded to meet the inner dimensions of the vehicle'srear cargo opening 346.

As vehicle 12 continues moving back toward wall 18, from the positionshown in FIG. 33 to that of FIG. 35, the pressure of vehicle 12 againstthe face of seal assembly 336 forces or causes support mechanism 366 tolean or move back in a direction away from the center of doorway 20.This action urges seal assembly 336 to expand against inner surfaces 380of the rear cargo or trailer of vehicle 12, as shown in FIGS. 34 and 35.

Referring to FIGS. 36 and 37, if cargo opening 346 is not perfectlycentered with doorway 20 or if vehicle 12 moves laterally and/orvertically, support mechanisms 366 shift to accommodate such offsets ormovements. FIGS. 36 and 37 show vehicle 12 shifted lower and to the leftof center of doorway 20. To compensate, telescopic bar 374 of theupper-right support mechanism 366 extends (upper-right being withreference to FIG. 36), telescopic bar 374 of the lower-left supportmechanism 366 retracts, base plate 370 of the lower-right supportmechanism 366 rotates counterclockwise about fastener 364, and baseplate 370 of the upper-left support mechanism 366 rotates clockwiseabout fastener 364. Slight extension of the upper-left and lower-righttelescopic bars 374 might occur as well.

In addition or as an alternative to springs 360 and 376, some examplesof weather barrier apparatus 334 include springs 382 that urge each baseplate 370 to a predetermined rotational neutral position. In addition oralternatively, in some examples, support mechanism 366 includes a springthat biases telescopic bar 374 to a predetermined extended or retractedposition. In some examples, support mechanism 366 does not include aspring that biases telescopic bar 374 to a predetermined position.

FIGS. 38-43 show an example support member 384 that can be used aseither an upper support member of a header structure (e.g., a headerstructure 386 of FIGS. 38 and 39, or a header structure 388 of FIG. 40)or as a side support member of a side structure (e.g., a side structure390 of FIGS. 41 and 42). In some examples, as shown in FIG. 43, supportmember 384 includes a flexible outer sheet 392 supported by a series offlexible rib panels 394 extending between two support bars 396. One ormore flexible ties 398 connect rib panels 394 to outer sheet 392. Insome examples, ties 398 have tensile strength but readily bend or buckleunder compression. As an alternative to having the series of rib panels394, some example support members have a single rib panel covering thefull length of outer sheet 392.

When used in header structure 386, as shown in FIGS. 38 and 39, anexample upper seal member 400 is pivotally attached to support member384, and a resilient suspension system 402 helps hold support member 384generally horizontal. In some examples, resilient suspension system 402comprises a cable 404 (or its equivalent such as a wire, chain, rope,strap, etc.) held in tension by a pneumatic compression spring 406 (orits equivalent). One end 408 of cable 404 connects to support member384, and an opposite end 410 of cable 404 is anchored to a wall-mountingplate 412. In some examples, as shown in FIG. 40, a resilient suspensionsystem 414 includes a spring 416 (e.g., extension spring, elastic cord,etc.) extending between wall-mounting plate 412 and a connection point418 on support member 384.

As vehicle 12 backs into header structure 386 or 388, an upper edge seal420 of upper seal member 400 engages the vehicle's upper rear edge 36,and an upper surface seal 432 of seal member 400 pivots downward againstthe vehicle's upper panel 82. The flexibility of support member 384enables upper seal member 400 to move sealingly against vehicles (e.g.,upper panels of vehicles) of various height and at various stoppingdistances or positions (e.g., horizontal distances) from wall 18.

When support member 384 is used in side structure 390, as shown in FIGS.41 and 42, an example side seal member 400′ (similar to upper sealmember 400) is pivotally attached to support member 384. As vehicle 12backs into side structure 390, a side edge seal 424 of side seal member400′ engages the vehicle's vertical rear edge 32, and a side surfaceseal 426 of seal member 400′ pivots inward against the vehicle's sidepanel 130. The flexibility of support member 384 enables side sealmember 400′ to move sealingly against vehicles of various width and atvarious lateral positions relative to doorway 20.

FIGS. 44-48 show an example weather barrier apparatus 428 that includesa seal member 430 similar in construction to support member 384 of FIG.43. In some examples, a flexible inner sheet 432 extends the full lengthof seal member 430. In some examples, a flexible outer sheet 434 extendsthe full length of seal member 430. In some examples, outer sheet 434includes a plurality of vertically spaced-apart rib panels similar torib panels 394 of FIG. 43. In some examples, ties 398 connect outersheet 434 to inner sheet 432.

FIGS. 45 and 46 show seal member 430 configured as an upper seal member,and FIGS. 47 and 48 show seal member 430 configured as a side sealmember. An example mounting device 436 connects seal member 430 to wall18. In some examples, mounting device 436 includes a pivotal joint 438and/or a translating joint 440 that allows seal member 430 to pivotand/or translate (e.g., laterally) relative to wall 18.

In reaction to vehicle 12 backing into weather barrier apparatus 428,the vehicle's rearward facing edge 28 displaces and compressivelydistorts (e.g., resiliently deforms) seal member 430 such that sealmember 430 generally conforms to the shape of vehicle 12 in the area ofrearward facing edge 28. In some examples, the seal member's rotationand/or translation enable an edge seal 442 and a surface seal 444 ofseal member 430 to seal respectively against the vehicle's rearwardfacing edge 28 and a surface panel (e.g., upper panel 82 or side panel130).

For further clarification, the vehicle's first and second rear edges 32and 34 extending vertically means that edges 32 and 34 are nothorizontal, so in some examples, edges 32 and 34 are tilted and notnecessarily perfectly vertical. The vehicle's upper rear edge 36extending horizontally means that edge 36 is not vertical, so in someexamples, edge 36 is inclined and not necessarily perfectly horizontal.Cargo passageway 38 having passageway height 42 and passageway width 44substantially equal to and corresponding to doorway height 46 anddoorway width 48 means that the magnitude of the doorway's height equalsthe magnitude of the passageway's height, and the magnitude of thedoorway's width equals the magnitude of the passageway's width, thus thesize of doorway 20 defines the cargo passageway 38. The expression, “thevehicle shifting the weather barrier apparatus,” means that travelmovement of vehicle 12 forces or causes at least part of weather barrierapparatus 10 or portions thereof to move (e.g., translate, rotate,swing, tilt, bend, etc.). The term, “axially slidable connection” as itpertains to coupling 136, means that sliding occurs in a directionparallel to the axial length of the coupling's first leg 146. Rearwardfacing edge 28 including first rear edge 32, second rear edge 34 andupper edge 36 does not necessarily mean that all three edges 32, 34 and36 face rearward. In some examples, upper edge 36 is at the rear ofvehicle 12 and includes rear portion 36 a facing rearward and topportion 36 b facing upward. In some examples, side structure 60 isrotated to a horizontal orientation and configured or used as a headerstructure. In some examples, header structure 58 is rotated to avertical orientation and configured or used as a side structure. In someexamples, brace 70 and/or the weight of upper seal member 24 urgingupper seal member 24 to the forward position (FIG. 3) in combinationwith coupling 136 connecting upper edge seal 78 to side edge seal 126urges side seal member 26 to a preparatory position (FIG. 9). Upper edgeseal 78 and side edge seal 126 are examples of rear edge seal 198. Uppersurface seal 80 and side surface seal 128 are examples of surface seal224. Upper seal member 24 and side seal member 26 are examples of a sealmember. Upper support member 62 and side support member 112 are examplesof a support member. Upper panel 82 and side panel 130 are examples of avehicle panel.

Although certain example methods, apparatus and articles of manufacturehave been described herein, the scope of the coverage of this patent isnot limited thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers all methods,apparatus and articles of manufacture fairly falling within the scope ofthe appended claims either literally or under the doctrine ofequivalents.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A weather barrier apparatus for at leastone of sealing or sheltering a vehicle parked at a loading dock of abuilding that has a doorway in a wall defining a cargo passageway, theweather barrier apparatus being in an activated configuration when thevehicle is in a parked position and a relaxed configuration when thevehicle is in a departed position, the weather barrier apparatuscomprising: a side structure attached to the wall and positionedalongside the doorway, the side structure being generally verticallyelongate and having a first side seal and a second side seal, the firstside seal defining an upper seal of the side structure and the secondside seal defining a lower seal of the side structure, the first sideseal to slide relative to the second side seal to adjust a variableoverall height of the side structure, the variable overall height beingsignificantly greater in the activated configuration than in the relaxedconfiguration, the side structure extending laterally farther into thecargo passageway toward a center of the doorway in the relaxedconfiguration than in the activated configuration.
 2. The weatherbarrier apparatus of claim 1, wherein the side structure comprises aside support member attached to the wall, the first and second sideseals being coupled to the side support member.
 3. The weather barrierapparatus of claim 2, wherein the first side seal is slidingly coupledto an upper the second side seal, and both the first and second sideseals to engage the vehicle when the weather barrier apparatus is in theactivated configuration.
 4. The weather barrier apparatus of claim 3,further comprising a header structure being horizontally elongate, theheader structure being attached to the wall and extending above thedoorway, the header structure comprising an upper edge seal to engagethe vehicle when the weather barrier apparatus is in the activatedconfiguration, the upper edge seal being higher when the weather barrierapparatus is in the activated configuration than when the weatherbarrier apparatus is in the relaxed configuration whereby the upper edgeseal is to rise in response to the vehicle moving from the departedposition to the parked position, the first side seal being proximate theupper edge seal when the weather barrier apparatus is in the relaxedconfiguration, and the first side seal being proximate the upper edgeseal when the weather barrier apparatus is in the activatedconfiguration whereby the first side seal is to rise with the upper edgeseal in response to the vehicle moving from the departed position to theparked position.
 5. The weather barrier apparatus of claim 4, whereinthe header structure supports at least some weight of the first sideseal.
 6. The weather barrier apparatus of claim 5, wherein the headerstructure comprises an upper support member attached to the wall and anupper seal member suspended from the upper support member, the upperedge seal being borne by the upper seal member, and the first side sealbeing suspended from the upper seal member.
 7. The weather barrierapparatus of claim 6, further comprising a coupling connecting the upperseal member to the first side seal.
 8. The weather barrier apparatus ofclaim 7, wherein the coupling includes a first leg connected to theupper seal member, the first leg being horizontally elongate, thecoupling also includes a second leg connected to the first side seal,the second leg being vertically elongate relative the first leg.
 9. Theweather barrier apparatus of claim 8, wherein the first leg is connectedto the upper seal member by way of an axially slidable connectionbetween the first leg and the upper seal member.
 10. The weather barrierapparatus of claim 9, wherein the axially slidable connection furtherprovides a rotatable connection between the first leg and the upper sealmember.
 11. The weather barrier apparatus of claim 8, wherein the secondleg is connected to the first side seal by way of a pivotal link, thepivotal link defining a first pivotal axis substantially collinear withthe second leg, and the pivotal link defining a second pivotal axisoffset and substantially parallel to the second leg, the second pivotalaxis being adjacent to the first side seal, and the second leg beingrotatable about the second pivotal axis.
 12. The weather barrierapparatus of claim 1, further comprising a header structure beinghorizontally elongate, the header structure being attached to the walland extending above the doorway, the header structure including an upperedge seal to engage the vehicle when the weather barrier apparatus is inthe activated configuration, the side structure including a side edgeseal to engage the vehicle when the weather barrier apparatus is in theactivated configuration, the side edge seal and the upper edge sealdefining a corner region in which the side edge seal and the upper edgeseal are in closest proximity with each other, the corner region beingat a first location when the weather barrier apparatus is in the relaxedconfiguration and the corner region being at a second location when theweather barrier apparatus is in the activated configuration, the firstlocation being within the cargo passageway, the second location beinghigher than the first location, the upper edge seal at the secondlocation being interposed between the doorway and the vehicle when thevehicle is at the parked position, and the side edge seal at the secondlocation being interposed between the doorway and the vehicle when thevehicle is at the parked position.
 13. The weather barrier apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the side structure includes a side edge seal that isinterposed between the vehicle and the doorway when the weather barrierapparatus is in the activated configuration.
 14. A weather barrierapparatus for at least one of sealing or sheltering a vehicle parked ata loading dock of a building that has a doorway in a wall defining acargo passageway, the weather barrier apparatus being in an activatedconfiguration when the vehicle is in a parked position and engaging theweather barrier apparatus, and the weather barrier apparatus being in arelaxed configuration when the vehicle is in a departed position andseparated from the weather barrier apparatus, the weather barrierapparatus comprising: a side structure attached to a wall and positionedadjacent a doorway, the side structure includes a side edge seal toeffectively engage a first rear edge of a vehicle when the weatherbarrier apparatus is in the activated configuration, the side structureincluding a side seal having an upper side seal segment slidinglymovable relative to a lower side seal segment to adjust a variableoverall vertical length of the side seal along a longitudinal axis ofthe side seal; and a header structure attached to the wall and beingsituated higher than the doorway, the header structure includes an upperedge seal to effectively engage an upper rear edge of the vehicle whenthe weather barrier apparatus is in the activated configuration, theside edge seal and the upper edge seal defining a corner region in whichthe side edge seal and the upper edge seal are in closest proximity witheach other, the corner region to move in a first direction relative to acentral opening of the doorway and a second direction non-parallelrelative to the first direction between a first location when theweather barrier apparatus is in the relaxed configuration and a secondlocation when the weather barrier apparatus is in the activatedconfiguration, the first location being within the cargo passageway, thesecond location being higher than the first location, the upper edgeseal at the second location being interposed between the doorway and theupper rear edge of the vehicle when the vehicle is at the parkedposition, and the side edge seal at the second location being interposedbetween the doorway and the first rear edge of the vehicle when thevehicle is at the parked position.
 15. The weather barrier apparatus ofclaim 14, wherein the variable overall vertical length that issignificantly greater in the activated configuration than in the relaxedconfiguration, the side structure extending laterally farther into thecargo passageway toward a center of the passageway in the relaxedconfiguration than in the activated configuration.
 16. The weatherbarrier apparatus of claim 15, wherein the side structure comprises aside support member attached to the wall, the side seal being attachedto the side support member, the side seal is to engage the vehicle whenthe weather barrier apparatus is in the activated configuration, theside support member and the side seal being vertically elongate, theside support member having a substantially constant vertical length, theside seal providing the side structure with the variable overallvertical length.
 17. The weather barrier apparatus of claim 16, whereinthe lower side seal segment and the upper side seal segment to engagethe vehicle when the weather barrier apparatus is in the activatedconfiguration.
 18. The weather barrier apparatus of claim 17, whereinthe header structure supports at least some weight of the upper sideseal segment.
 19. The weather barrier apparatus of claim 17, wherein theheader structure comprises an upper support member attached to the walland an upper seal member suspended from the upper support member, theupper edge seal being borne by the upper seal member, and the upper sideseal segment being suspended from the upper seal member.
 20. The weatherbarrier apparatus of claim 19, further comprising a coupling connectingthe upper seal member to the upper side seal segment.
 21. The weatherbarrier apparatus of claim 20, wherein the coupling includes a first legconnected to the upper seal member, the first leg being horizontallyelongate, the coupling also includes a second leg connected to the upperside seal segment, the second leg being vertically elongate.
 22. Theweather barrier apparatus of claim 21, wherein the first leg isconnected to the upper seal member by way of an axially slidableconnection between the first leg and the upper seal member.
 23. Theweather barrier apparatus of claim 22, wherein the axially slidableconnection further provides a rotatable connection between the first legand the upper seal member.
 24. The weather barrier apparatus of claim21, wherein the second leg is connected to the upper side seal segmentby way of a pivotal link, the pivotal link defining a first pivotal axissubstantially collinear with the second leg, and the pivot link defininga second pivotal axis offset and substantially parallel to the secondleg, the second pivotal axis being adjacent to the upper side sealsegment, and the second leg being rotatable about the second pivotalaxis.
 25. A method of using a weather barrier apparatus for at least oneof partially sealing or sheltering a vehicle parked at a loading dock ofa building that has a doorway in a wall, the method comprising:providing a first line of contact between a first seal segment of a rearedge seal of the weather barrier apparatus and a rearward facing edge ofthe vehicle; providing a second line of contact between a second sealsegment of the rear edge seal of the weather barrier apparatus and therearward facing edge of the vehicle, the second line of contact beingsubstantially collinear with the first line of contact, the second sealsegment being separate from the first seal segment; and causing thesecond seal segment to slide relative to the first seal segment in adirection substantially parallel to the first line of contact and thesecond line of contact to increase an overall vertical length of therear edge seal when the rearward facing edge of the vehicle engages therear edge seal of the weather barrier apparatus.
 26. The method of claim25, further comprising the first seal segment and the second sealsegment engaging the rearward facing edge of the vehicle when thevehicle engages the weather barrier apparatus.
 27. The method of claim25, wherein the direction of the second seal segment sliding relative tothe first seal segment is substantially parallel to the wall.
 28. Amethod for at least one of partially sealing or sheltering a vehicleparked at a loading dock of a building that has a doorway in a wall, viaa weather barrier apparatus, the method comprising: slidably coupling anupper side seal segment relative to a lower side seal segment of a sideseal of the weather barrier apparatus; shifting the weather barrierapparatus via vehicle engagement when the vehicle moves toward thedoorway; and increasing a longitudinal length of the side seal bycausing the upper side seal segment of the side seal to slide relativeto the lower side seal segment of the side seal in reaction to theweather barrier apparatus shifting when engaged via the vehicle.
 29. Themethod of claim 28, further comprising: providing a header structure anda side support of the weather barrier, configured to be attached to thewall, the header structure including an upper support; supporting theupper side seal segment via the upper support; supporting at least someweight of the upper side seal segment via the header structure; andsupporting at least some weight of the lower side seal segment via theside support.
 30. The method of claim 25, further comprising nesting thesecond seal segment relative to the first seal segment when the rearwardfacing edge of the vehicle moves away from the rear edge seal.